Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha lacks motivation.

The ill-fated relationship between Onoki and Danzo can be traced back to the first Five Kage Summit.

At that time, Onoki, who came with his grandfather to broaden his horizons, encountered the young Konoha F6 on the street. Danzo's undisguised ridicule almost broke his composure, and the two became enemies from then on.

Time shifts, and it's now on the eve of the First Shinobi World War. The combined forces of Lightning, Earth, and Water, which were originally just there to make a show of force at the border of the Land of Fire, are already considering withdrawal due to internal problems.

As a result, Danzo led 3,000 members of the Sarutobi clan to launch a surprise attack on the enemy's main camp, firing the first shot of the First Shinobi World War. From then on, there was no room for reconciliation between the two.

"Lord Danzo, run! We'll cover you!"

Just as the two were gazing deeply into each other's eyes, Hiruko, leading a group of armed Root members, stood in front of Danzo, their loyalty beyond question.

"Uncle, please tell my father that his son is not a coward."

The mature-beyond-his-years Kizaru stood beside the silent Danzo, calmly delivering his last words.

"Kizaru-kun, never give up until the very last moment."

As Minato and the other two spoke, they stepped forward, and the four-person team regrouped. Even when facing the legendary Third Tsuchikage, their youthful faces showed no fear.

"Old plant, leave this to me. Mom and Xiaolin are waiting for you to come home for dinner."

A young Root member wearing a pig-head mask patted Danzo on the shoulder forcefully, reminding him in a deliberately relaxed tone,

Meanwhile, our Root Group's top assistant, Nonou, frowned and remained silent, quietly retreating behind the group when no one noticed.

"you."

Looking at the familiar back standing in front of him, Danzo was filled with mixed emotions. At this moment, he felt that all his hard work over the years had not been in vain.

"Wow, I didn't expect you to have so many die-hard fans. You didn't use some shady methods to control them, did you?"

Onoki surveyed the human wall in front of Danzo with great interest, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"Stop talking nonsense! Our loyalty to Lord Danzo is as clear as day!"

Upon hearing this, Hiruko roared in anger, his resolute tone clearly audible.

In Hiruko's heart, Danzo not only showed her kindness and mentorship, but also helped her out when she was at her most difficult and confused, giving an ordinary Chunin the opportunity to contribute to the village.

Moreover, the benefits of Root are unparalleled. They are the most powerful in the entire ninja world, enough to make every Root member willing to go through fire and water for them.

"Danzo is incredibly skilled at winning people's hearts."

Senju Hisa, who witnessed this scene from afar, frowned.

The tender seedlings sacrifice themselves for the robust roots; this is so contrary to the will of fire advocated by the eldest brother!

If Danzo were to leave now, she would immediately remove his name from her list of disciples, and cut off all his avenues for advancement.

"Can't you put it nicely, you white-haired idiot? This was all bought with real money by Little Tuantuan. How can you call that skill?"

Uchiha Gin, standing to the side, shook his head in disapproval.

A true friend will die for one who understands him; these Root members were simply repaying Danzo's usual kindness.

It's important to know that many members of Root were ordinary ninjas who had been cheated by crowdsourcing missions. Many of them had their families broken apart and their wives and children separated because they couldn't get missions for a long time.

When they were in dire straits, Danzo's olive branch was undoubtedly a lifeline for them. This kindness was something they would remember for a lifetime and repay with their lives.

In conclusion, to sum up.

Lord Danzo's kindness is never enough!

"Children? Heh, has Konoha reached the point where there's no one left to use?"

Onoki glanced at the several excessively young faces standing next to Danzo, his mockery growing even stronger.

"Don't underestimate us, you wrinkled little potato!"

Kushina hated being looked down upon, so she immediately bared her teeth and angrily retorted.

"You little brats with tomato heads, I was originally going to let you off the hook because you're young."

Kushina's sharp comments had broken down Onoki's defenses, so he took a deep breath and looked at the others with a cold killing intent in his eyes.

"Teacher, don't underestimate them. They are the right candidates for the Nine-Tails."

With Han on her back, Xiao Zi ran to the foot of Onoki in a flash, and fearing that the teacher would underestimate her, she loudly reminded him.

"Them? The Nine-Tails?"

Upon hearing this, Onoki frowned, his face becoming more serious.

During his time as the Four-Tails Rider, he fought against the Nine-Tails Rider several times. Apart from gaining the upper hand once with the help of the Fourth Raikage, he narrowly lost all other encounters. It is normal for him to be somewhat wary of him.

"Little Purple, tell me what happened?"

Controlling his body, he slowly landed beside Komurasaki. Onoki first glanced at the pale-faced man, confirming his vital signs were still intact, before coldly asking,

"Them."

Xiao Zi immediately recounted the entire process of her battle with Konoha's Kurama Ranger in a short, concise manner, taking less than a minute.

"They actually divided the power of the tailed beast into four parts. That's an enviable skill."

Having learned the whole story, Onoki's eyes burned with fervor as he looked at Minato and the others. If Iwagakure could use this technology, they would possess an entire army of Tailed Beasts.

Even if their individual combat abilities are not as good as those of the Tailed Beast Riders, they are still sufficient to handle most situations. At that time, the military strength of Iwagakure will definitely increase significantly.

"I've changed my mind, big-butt kid. If you can hand over these four little guys along with the technology to divide the power of the tailed beasts, I'll not only let you go, but also form an alliance with you and help you achieve your grand ambitions."

Looking at Danzo behind the human wall in the distance, Onoki revealed a confident smile, believing that the other party would make the right choice.

"That's despicable!"

Senju Hisa's eyebrows shot up, and her ten slender, jade-like fingers tightened sharply. That Onoki was truly despicable; he actually dared to set his sights on Konoha!

"That little potato, I'll rip his other kidney apart!"

She now only regrets that her knife wasn't fast enough or ruthless enough back then, failing to shred this wicked little potato into potato shreds.

"Lord Danzo?"

"Uncle?"

"A big-butt uncle?"

Onoki's words stirred up a huge wave among the Root members. Everyone turned around and looked at Danzo, who had remained silent throughout, with complicated expressions, waiting for his decision.

"Crack!"

Suddenly, a sharp, cracking sound rang in everyone's ears. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that Danzo's walking stick was covered in cracks, with rotten wood chips scattered all over the ground.

"I am Danzo Shimura, the unofficial disciple of the First Hokage, the personal instructor of the First Hokage, and the implementer and executor of the Will of Fire. To think that I would betray my comrades, the village, and the Will of Fire is simply outrageous."

Danzo flicked the crumbs from his palm, and as he spoke, he slowly removed his ornate elder's robe, revealing a muscular physique covered in scars.

"wishful thinking!"

As the four resounding words echoed in everyone's ears, Danzo's figure flashed, instantly appearing in front of the Root member who had previously blocked his way. He formed a hand seal, his cheeks puffed out.

"Wind Release: Vacuum Ball!"

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!—"

"Stubborn and obstinate."

As he watched the several sharp wind bullets hurtling towards him, Onoki's face was grim. He hadn't expected that Danzo's words and actions would be so different from the ruthless and cunning image described in the intelligence.

"ha!"

Onoki slammed his hands on the ground, and a thick wall of earth instantly rose up.

He no longer has time to think about who provided the incorrect information; he can only wait until he gets back to investigate and hold them accountable.

"Ah? Lord Danzo!"

The Root members shared the same sentiment as Onoki. Having never seen Danzo in action before, they immediately erupted in gasps of astonishment. Even through their masks, their undisguised admiration was palpable.

"Kizaru-kun, was your uncle really that powerful?"

Looking at Danzo, whose muscles were bulging and who exuded extraordinary power, Kushina rubbed her eyes hard, her face full of bewilderment.

"Lord Danzo received guidance from the two First Hokage and is one of Konoha's strongest shinobi."

Minato patted her little head and explained with a smile,

"Oh my, I never would have guessed. I thought he was just a powerful and cunning scoundrel."

Having grown accustomed to Danzo displaying his so-called elegance in the dimly lit darkness, Kushina, witnessing his sudden display of power for the first time, was still reeling from the stark contrast.

"It's time for battle."

With a blank expression, Hyuga Kagami didn't participate in the conversation about his cricket boss. Instead, he pragmatically pulled out a chibi-style Nine-Tails for transformation, and the others echoed in agreement.

"Let's all attack together!"

"Kizaru, the four of you, immediately return the way you came and find Senju Hisama for protection. The rest of you, escort them to safety. This mission cannot be lost."

However, taking advantage of the gap in their vision being obscured by the Earth Wall, Danzo swiftly issued an order that caught everyone off guard. Minato and the others, who had already taken out their fully charged chibi-style Nine-Tails, were filled with disbelief and astonishment upon hearing this.

"Uncle, we can help."

At times like these, the usually carefree Kizaru reveals his true feelings, displaying the stubbornness expected of a child his age.

"You don't understand the true strength of the Third Tsuchikage. The future is unknown, but right now, you are definitely no match for him."

As a ninja who had once fought against Dust Release and survived, Danzo had personally experienced the terror of this bloodline limit. It was a secret technique that could easily penetrate even the invincible defense of a mirror. He could not stand by and watch the village's future perish in such a place.

"But."

"Little Orchid! Take them away!"

Before Kizaru could speak again, Danzo's expression darkened, and he gave an order to Hiruko, who was close to some of the children not far away.

Minato pursed his lips. Emotionally, he wanted to stay and help, but rational analysis told him that Danzo was right.

"Kizaru-kun, we'll only be a burden if we stay."

So he stepped forward, grabbed Kizaru's trembling shoulder, and nodded to Danzo, whose demeanor had drastically changed.

"Lord Danzo, please take care."

"Go for it, big-butt uncle!"

"."

"Boom!"

"None of you will escape!"

Just as everyone was parting, the earthen wall pierced by the Vacuum Jade collapsed with a roar, revealing Onoki behind him with his hands raised to his chest.

"Dust Release: Particle Style Detachment Technique".

A despairing white light instantly filled everyone's vision, as if they saw their deceased loved ones waving to them from the other side of the Sanzu River.

Whoosh!

The next moment, Danzo moved. In a flash, he stood in front of the Dust Release pillar, facing the crowd. His already impressively large buttocks rapidly swelled up to everyone's astonishment.

"Butt-escape - Fart Return!"

"Puff puff puff puff!—"

"Did you catch it?"

"Lord Danzo's butt got caught!"

The Root members, regaining their senses, stared wide-eyed at Danzo, who was using his massive buttocks to withstand the legendary Kekkei Tota. Their admiration reached its peak instantly.

"What?!"

Upon seeing this, Xiao Zi's smug smile froze on his face. He felt as if his brain was being wildly churned by Old Sun's giant rod.

How could a mere ordinary person withstand the Dust Release technique that even tailed beasts fear, especially with their buttocks?

"Tsk! That trick again."

Onoki, the person involved, merely frowned, showing no surprise like the others. Instead, he proactively restrained his Dust Release chakra output, grabbed the dazed Komurasaki beside him, and leaped backward.

"Teacher? Why are you running?"

Komurasaki, bewildered by Onoki's actions, frowned in confusion. "It's just that he blocked Dust Release once, why is he running so fast?"

"I won't stop you if you want to die."

Onoki glanced at Komurasaki, whose face was full of resentment, and said in a serious tone,

"ha?"

"Boom!"

The next second, a white beam of light, even thicker than the Dust Release that Onoki had just released, struck the spot where they had just been standing. The land within a radius of tens of meters was instantly decomposed, the brilliance dissipated, leaving only a bottomless crater.

"Gulp~"

"This is."

Xiao Zi swallowed hard, his face deathly pale. If Danzo's buttocks striking Dust Release had already overturned his understanding, then the other Dust Release that shot out from the other's buttocks completely blew his mind out.

"This is Konoha's third greatest bloodline limit after Wood Release and Mangekyou Sharingan—Giant Butt Release: Hip Release."

Onoki looked at the huge crater created by the rebounding Dust Release attack with lingering fear, his eyes filled with envy.

Both are major powers, so why does Konoha have so many advanced technologies and talents, while Iwagakure only has endless debts and loans to pay off?

"Lord Danzo!"

After a brief moment of shock, the group, who had survived the dust-escape, immediately rushed towards Danzo, a variety of flattering words already poised to be unleashed.

"Didn't you hear my order? Get out of here!"

Danzo, facing them, turned pale and then red, and before anyone could step forward, he shouted angrily to stop them.

"Uncle?"

"Let's go!"

"Yes."

Sensing the unwavering determination in Danzo's tone, the group hesitated for a moment after exchanging bewildered glances, but ultimately chose to turn away.

"Danzo is indeed my most valued student."

Witnessing Danzo's heroic act of upholding the Will of Fire, the proud Senju Hisa couldn't help but nod repeatedly.

"You people are too superficial. Everything and everyone has two sides. Why do you only see the good side?"

After looking at the problem from a different perspective, Uchiha Gin couldn't help but roll his eyes upon hearing this, his tone full of sighs.

"Tsk tsk tsk~ It's all burnt, should we cut it off?" (End of this chapter)